A fantastic lawn doesn’t just happen. Getting great results is a multi-step process that goes beyond the typical lawn care regimen and includes services such as aeration and overseeding or power seeding (a more intensive process if your lawn needs it). Because you want to have a great-looking lawn, you may have invested in these services (or plan to have them completed in the near future). 

You’ll want to make sure that you’re going to get the full benefit out of that service, which is why you may be wondering about how to water after seeding. 

Water is an essential element when it comes to new seed growth yet we find that many homeowners are unclear on exactly how much water their lawn needs or how to properly perform this service. 

Because we care about you getting the best possible results, we’ve rounded up some helpful advice. After all, a great lawn requires a strong partnership between you and your lawn care professional.

How to Water After Aeration and Overseeding and/or Power Seeding

Your lawn’s watering needs immediately after aeration and overseeding are going to be a bit different than what you might be used to. Your lawn is going to require less water but more frequently. You need to keep the soil moist but you don’t want to water for too long. This generally means watering twice a day but for a short period of time (maybe 15 to 20 minutes).

While you can obviously achieve this by hand-watering (dragging a hose and sprinkler around), we do find that homeowners who have an irrigation system are naturally able to be more effective in maintaining proper watering needs. It just takes the guesswork out of the process when you can have a “set it and forget it” mentality with your irrigation system. 

Today’s advanced irrigation systems also have technology such as rain sensors which take into account how much water your lawn is already receiving from Mother Nature (and adjusting as needed).

How to Water After Germination

While it’s going to vary depending upon the weather, it usually takes about two to four weeks for your new grass to start to germinate. Following germination, you can begin to water less frequently but using more water (the opposite of what you were doing pre-germination). 

The key is to give the soil a good soaking so the water reaches a few inches into the soil where new grass roots are developing. 

You can back off on how often you’re watering. Three days a week is probably enough but this also depends on how much it rains that week.

This is an important rule of thumb: In general, a Northern Virginia lawn needs around one inch of water per week.

If you’re struggling to have a good sense of exactly how much water your lawn is receiving in total, you can invest in a rain gauge to measure rainfall. This will allow you to adjust your watering accordingly.

Your Lawn’s Long-Term Watering Needs

Water after aeration and seeding (and for the first few weeks of your lawn’s new life) is a bit different from ongoing watering needs. As your lawn transitions into becoming “established,” you can definitely back off on watering as often as you’ve been. 

However, it’s still important to recognize that new grass is more prone to drought damage because its roots are not as deep. This is why, even in the long-term, it’s important to keep up with how much water your lawn is receiving and aim for that one-inch-per-week goal.

Of course, it’s also important to recognize that aeration and overseeding (or power seeding if your lawn needs it) is not a once-and-done kind of service. If you truly want to continue to promote a beautiful and thriving lawn, then you should consider having this service performed annually. That will continue to ensure that your lawn is thick and healthy. 

When it does come time to have these services performed, you’ll want to repeat these watering recommendations, paying close attention to your lawn’s needs in those early stages. Supporting your new grass seedlings’ germination will help ensure that your lawn continues to thrive.

A Valuable Partnership with Your Lawn Care Company

Getting the best possible lawn care results is ultimately a team effort. By providing water as it’s needed, you play a very important role in helping your new lawn to develop and grow. There’s no doubt that the decisions that you make for your lawn can make a huge impact on its overall success.

Of course, that’s not to say that you’re on your own! We are always here when you need guidance or assistance on questions like how much to water after aeration and overseeding, and/or power seeding—or any other lawn care questions that you may have! At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we want to set you up for success which is why we are here to help.

Are you ready to have a healthy and thriving lawn? Request your quote, choose from our 3 lawn care package options (all of which include aeration and overseeding) and relax as you get the royal treatment.

Image Sources:  irrigation